The United Arab Emirates government has confirmed the public holiday schedule for 2027, which includes seven distinct holiday periods covering religious observances, the Islamic New Year, and the country's National Day. According to a report by Legit.ng, residents can expect a mix of long weekends and extended breaks throughout the year, with the first holiday arriving immediately at the start of January.
New Year's Day 2027 falls on Friday, January 1, creating a three-day weekend for residents. The first working day of the year will be Monday, January 4, giving workers a brief respite before the year's routine begins. This early holiday sets the tone for a year packed with significant national and religious dates.
Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha 2027 Dates
Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, will be observed with a three-day official holiday. According to Khaleej Times, Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, February 8, based on astronomical calculations. If the fasting month lasts 29 days, the Eid holiday will run from Tuesday, March 9, through Thursday, March 11. Should Ramadan extend to 30 days, the holiday period stretches to Friday, March 12, potentially creating a six-day break when combined with the weekend.
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha together account for four days of holiday, with likely dates running from Saturday, May 15, to Tuesday, May 18. These dates are subject to the official crescent moon sighting, which determines the exact start of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. The Hijri New Year, falling on the first day of Muharram, is expected on Sunday, June 6. The Prophet Muhammad's birthday, observed on the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal, is expected on Saturday, August 14. Both dates remain dependent on moon sighting.
National Day and Other Holidays
The UAE's 56th National Day, known as Eid Al Etihad, will be celebrated with a two-day holiday on Thursday, December 2, and Friday, December 3. This creates a four-day weekend extending through Sunday, December 5. The National Day holiday is one of the most anticipated events in the country, featuring fireworks, cultural displays, and patriotic celebrations.
It is important to note that Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha dates are fixed and cannot be moved by Cabinet decision, unlike most other public holidays. Under Article 3 of Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, if any public holiday coincides with another, or falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it cannot be transferred to a working day. This means that holidays falling on weekends are effectively lost, as they cannot be compensated with an alternative day off.
How to Extend Your Leave in 2027
For residents planning ahead, a few strategic leave days can significantly stretch each public holiday. Taking five working days around New Year's Day could yield a 10-day break at the start of the year. For Eid Al Fitr, adding Monday, March 8, as leave produces either a six-day or nine-day holiday, depending on whether Ramadan completes 29 or 30 days. Around Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha, taking Wednesday through Friday, May 19 to 21, off work could create a nine-day break from May 15 to May 23. For National Day, a single day of leave on Wednesday, December 1, extends the break to five consecutive days.
Employees required to work on public holidays are entitled to compensatory leave or their regular pay plus at least 50 per cent of their basic salary, in line with Article 28(2) of the UAE Employment Law. This provision ensures that workers are fairly compensated for sacrificing their holiday time. Residents are advised to secure leave approvals early and book travel arrangements well in advance, as popular destinations tend to fill up quickly during these peak periods.
UAE Declares Nationwide Paid Public Holiday
In a related development, Legit.ng earlier reported that the UAE Government Media Office has announced that Friday, August 28, 2026, will be a paid public holiday across the federal government and private sector to mark Mawlid Al Nabawi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. The announcement was published on August 7, 2026, giving employers and workers in the country advance notice to plan accordingly. This 2026 holiday serves as a precursor to the 2027 schedule, highlighting the UAE's commitment to recognizing both religious and national occasions.
